Vineyards In Georgia (Europe) & Georgia Wineries Map: Wine in Georgia is some of the most unique in the world with a focus on traditional (8000 year old!) production techniques. In this article, we round up our top Vineyard choices from our extensive testing (personally visiting almost 300 wineries and counting) of wine at cellar doors around the country. It’s a tough life!
From tiny home wineries to a 7KM (4 miles) underground wine tunnel. We show you where to go for the most interesting experiences, wine tastings and… some places where they speak English.
First arriving to Georgia (Sakartvelo) in 2016, and now we live here full time, find our ever growing Georgia Wineries Map & Wine Regions Map at the bottom of this article. Also, check out our Free downloadable Georgian Wine PDF guide & Wine Itineraries, so you can plan your own trip to unique, artisan home wineries and more.
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Planning a Trip To Visit Georgia Wineries in Kakheti?
Here are our insider tips on tours and places to stay:
Top Tour
- Eat This! Tours – Premium food and wine tours. Experience premium small-group tours providing an authentic taste of the region’s finest food and wine. (Get 5% OFF with our code FFT5)
Top Hotels Telavi
- Tsinandali Estate – 5 Star. Radisson collection, highest standard hotel in Kakheti. With spa and pool.
- Chateau Mosmieri – 4 Star wine hotel with pool, vineyard, restaurant, and terrace with Caucasus views.
- Esquisse Design Hotel – 4 Star wine and design hotel with a pool, in Telavi.
Top Hotels Signagi
- Kabadoni – 4 Star Boutique Spa Hotel. In Signagi.
- Ampelo Resort – 4 Star Resort Style. Near Signagi.
- Lost Ridge Inn, Microbrewery & Ranch – 3 Star Boutique. Near Signagi.
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Best Vineyards In Georgia (Europe) Table Of Contents20 Top Vineyards In Georgia (Kakheti, Kartli & Kutaisi Regions) Recommended Wine Tour Itinerary Options – Free itineraries, or: Book us for your guided wine tour (new tab). Georgian Wine Guide (Crash Course PDF) – Learn The Essentials Of Georgian Wine & Wine History 4 Top Cellar Doors / Wine Tasting In Tbilisi Georgia Wineries Map & Wine Regions Map Wine Hotels – Stay In Wine Country (Opens In New Tab) Tbilisi Wine Tour & Wine Tasting (Opens In New Tab) Accommodation in Tbilisi (Best Hotels – opens in new tab) Or Browse: Booking.com | Agoda | Expedia | Hotels.com Georgian Traditional Food Guide (Opens in new tab) Things To Do In Kutaisi & Imereti Region, other than wine! (Opens in new tab) Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links which generate a commission for us if you purchase something through a provider we recommend. Please use our links, rather than searching google, in order to help support our blog so we can keep providing you free content. none of the tours, sights or activities listed below were sponsored, our opinions are 100% our own. |
Wine in Georgia (Country)
Georgia has the oldest archeological evidence of winemaking in the world – dating back to about 6000 BC. Unlike other countries around the world, Georgia still makes many wines in the same way they would have been made 8000 years ago – by fermenting the grapes in clay pots (called qvevri), normally buried underground to stabilize their temperatures. This ancient process makes Georgian wine tourism more interesting compared with local wine tours around Virginia or anywhere in the U.S
The traditional method involves pressing the grapes for juice, but also including skins and stalks in the mix that is placed inside the qvevri. This is left to ferment for 3 to 6 months on average. Traditionally, no additional maturation in oak is performed, though today some oak aged wines do exist.
Be aware that as well as these traditional qvevri wines, there are plenty of wines in Georgia using local grape varieties (there are estimated to be over 500 grape varietals endemic to Georgia) that are being made in the modern European style. So always ask if you are getting a qvevri wine or not.
Almost all vineyards have qvevri wines, only some, normally the larger ones, are mass producing non-qvevri wines.
Best Georgia Wineries (country)
We chose to mainly feature Georgia wineries which had at least 1 English-speaking staff member during our visit. Some have food options (if booked in advance) some have a full restaurant. Every single option has its own unique reason to visit. Will you visit them all?
I’ve split our Top 20 into 3 regions. Kakheti (East), Kartli (Central), Imereti (West). Kakheti & Kartli are best accessed via Tbilisi airport. Imereti, via Kutaisi airport.
Book a tour with our Georgian Food & Wine Tours Partner. Small group tours with a focus on cultural history and truly authentic, independent food & wine experiences. Learn More Here. (Get 5% OFF with our code FFT5)
Vineyards in Georgia: Kakheti Wine Region (East Georgia Wineries)
Kakheti is by far the biggest wine-producing region of Georgia. To learn more about the story of Georgian wine and the types of grapes, in 10 minutes or less, grab a free copy of our Georgian Wine Crash Course PDF.
I will categorize the wineries into 3 types:
- Home style family/artisan winery (Labeled: “Artisan”)
These would be places you almost always meet the winemaker, often at their family home, taste the wine with them or their family members, and eat food made by the family. Typically producing 1,000 to 25,000 bottles per year.
- Independent commercial winery (Labeled: “Independent“)
Wineries where you will be served by staff members, they normally have a professional chef/kitchen. The wines may still be small batch, and though these are fully commercial, they are still independent and and maybe family owned, rather than full corporate. Typically producing 20,000 to 250,000 bottles per year.
- Mass production corporate winery (Labeled: “Corporate”)
Very large wineries that are geared towards large production and in some cases tourism. Typically producing 250,000+ bottles per year.
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All 3 types are interesting, depending on what you are looking to get out of your Georgian wine experience, but the home style family/artisan wineries offer the most authentic Georgian experience by far, in my opinion.
Simply, those who have not done a real home artisan experience, have not really experienced Georgian wine. The independent places are ideal to get started, and for an introduction, but should be seen as a stepping stone to the real thing, not the end point. As for mass produced wine… Well, it’s cheap and convenient. And the big wineries have enough money to build fancy wine rooms and restaurants, so that often captures attention even if lacking authenticity.
Here are some of our top picks for Kakheti Wineries. In no particular order.
Ibero, Vachnadziani (Artisan)
A small family-owned and run (3 generations work together) winery that has managed to hold onto a huge amount of land in the centre of the Alazani valley (the main wine producing valley of Kakheti) with stunning, unobstructed views of the Caucasus mountains from their tasting room. But it’s not just about the views, their wines are expertly made and very representative of the local style. They also make a tasty aged Chacha (Georgian grappa). Advanced bookings are essential, some English is spoken if booked.
Why Visit: Family hospitality, great wines and homemade food, great view, artisan production. Meet the winemaker (normally).
Giuaani, Manavi (Independent)
At only 75 minutes drive from Tbilisi centre, Guianni is one of the best independent wineries that is closer to Tbilisi. Guianni is a medium sized winery (150k to 200k bottles per year, at time of writing), built on the same piece of land as the original owner’s house (now used as a hotel since 2022). So although it is a full operation with staff, an a la carte restaurant, and cooking class options, it is still family owned – but the family will not be there to greet you.
Giuaani Winery and Hotel has an extensive selection of wines, including those that reflect the Manavi microzone where they are located. Microzone (PDO) wines can only be made from grapes grown in that specific zone, and to a designated set of specifications. The service is always good here, as is the food & wine. And with such a wide range, they can introduce you to the easier drinking traditional wines, before you visit some of the tiny bio producers later in your trip, where you’ll discover the real artisan wine. Giuaani is a good preparation for your palette to explore a whole new world of wines. Walk-ins possible, but better to book in high season.
Why Visit: Elevated modern Georgian cuisine, walk-ins accepted, qvevri wines and Euro style steel tank production side by side, international facing wine options that will not be too challenging for those not familiar with qvevri wine. Also, stay the night and take a swim in their pool!
Begaso Family Winery North Alazani Valley
Located near the historic Gremi Cathedral, Begaso Family Winery presents a unique blend of high-quality artisan wines and a delightful tasting menu. Set in a tranquil rural landscape, the winery offers comfortable accommodation, enhancing your visit with convenience and charm. An English-speaking host ensures a warm and inclusive welcome for all guests.
Why should you visit? It’s an opportunity to savour top-notch wines in a beautiful, relaxed setting, where every aspect is thoughtfully tailored for a thoroughly enjoyable experience
Mosmieri, Telavi (Independent)
Mosmieri is a medium size winery that is focused on the German tourism market. They make a wide selection of both Georgian style wines, and European style wines from Georgian grapes. It’s a well organised operation with an excellent a la carte restaurant with views of the mountains. As well as the wine and restaurant complex, they now have a high end hotel behind the winery. Wake up in the countryside to mountain views and, of course, wine if you like! Mosmieri on Booking.com. Walk ins possible, but better to book in high season.
Why visit: Great views, good restaurant (traditional Georgian), qvevri wines and steel tank wines side by side.
Kardenakhi Wine Factory #1, Kardenakhi (Independent)
With 700 Qvevris (the traditional wine making clay vessels of Georgia), Kardenakhi Wine Factory #1 has the largest capacity for making Qvevri wine in Georgia. But don’t let the name “factory” fool you. This is very much a traditional operation, not like some of the major corporation style mass production wineries (Badagoni, Tbilvino etc.). Their most important wine is the Tsarapi, which can only be made in their local microzone (PDO).
With a history dating back to the 19th century, KWF1 is a unique winery unlike any other on this list. Reservations are essential. Book a tour and tasting, or also book traditional local cuisine to eat in the dining room, overlooking the huge factory floor of qvevris.
Why visit: Believed to be the largest number of qvevris in one winery.
Miloravas Family Winery & Guesthouse, Telavi (Artisan)
A very small family winery just a few minutes from the centre of Telavi – the largest town in Kakheti. Budget accommodation is available, with the option to eat dinner with some of the family. But the real selling point is the wine. It’s rare to find a selection of international grapes, grown in Georgia. Especially at a small winery of this scale. Montepulciano, Shiraz as well as local Georgian varieties. Reservations for wine tasting essential.
Book a room at Milarovas: Booking.com
Why visit: Friendly, small family winery with great home cooked dishes and international grape varieties made in the Georgian style. Meet the winemaker (normally).
Cradle of Wine, Signagi (Artisan)
From Wednesday to Sunday, owner Paul (an American-born Georgian citizen) brings his passion and charisma to the wine cellar & bar/restaurant, Cradle of Wine in Signagi. An experimental winemaker, you’ll discover unmarked bottles of surprising variations on classic Georgian wines. In a 1+ hour wine tasting session, you’ll learn about the traditions of both wine making, and wine drinking in Georgia. This is much more than a wine tasting, it’s an interactive cultural education. Sessions run 1pm, 3pm, 5pm Daily. Paul hosts Wed-Sun, with his staff hosting Mon/Tues. Reservations Recommended.
Why visit: Native English speaker will guide you through the intricacies of wine and culture. Experimental and rare wines. Meet the winemaker (normally).
Sanavardo Estate, Napareuli (Independent)
Sanavardo estate is one of the largest grape producers in the Alazani valley. As you drive through the vines, towards the central complex, with the road lined by poplar trees, you almost feel like you are entering a Tuscan wine estate. However, Sanavardo sells most of their grapes to other producers, rather than making only their own wines.
But, they do still make plenty of wine. Good wine. From all the vineyards I’ve visited in Georgia, I’d give Sanavardo the award for the most representative of refined quality wines of Georgia. By this I mean, when you taste a Saperavi here, it exemplifies the style. Same for the Rkatsiteli, the Napareuli, and many others. If you want to really taste Georgia, all in one range of wines, Sanavardo is on of the best the places to do so.
That said, English is not always available, and the location is not as tourist accessible, yet, as it needs to be to make it easy. Tasting is by appointment only.
Why visit: Large estate. The wines are a benchmark for understanding Georgian grapes without bias. Meet the winemaker (normally).
Arge Hotel & Wines, Ikalto (Independent)
Another perfect location in the north of the Alazani valley, with views of the mountains. Though they primarily characterise themselves as a hotel, their winemaker really surprised us with an exemplary selection of local wines. Enjoy in the garden, the cellar, or the air conditioned conservatory (pictured). What impressed me most about the wine tasting experience here was all the details – the decor is well thought out, the local cheese selection was super interesting, and, well, can you see the size of the wine “samples” to try? Might be one of the biggest pours I’ve had for a wine tasting, ever.
We can’t guarantee they’ll always be that generous, but either way, the wine, and service are great. The hotel rooms, while seemingly pitched as being mid range (in terms of price) feel cheaply put together. But, every room has a balcony and a view either of the mountains to the north, or hills to the south. At only a 10 minute drive to Telavi, everything but the furniture in the rooms make this an excellent choice for a wine tasting stop, or an overnight stay. They even have a pool. Hotel Arge: Booking.com | Agoda
Why visit: Walk ins accepted. Well presented decor and ambience. Professional, small batch wines.
Shilda Wines, Shilda (Corporate)
The shining star of Shilda wines is certainly the glass walled restaurant & tasting room, looking south across their vines. It’s a perfect sunset spot. Shilda is a medium to large size commercial winery making a big selection and exporting a large amount of it. Don’t let that put you off, they don’t produce too many bulk (ie. cheap) wines, so actually they do have an excellent range at a middle price point.
The standard tasting is good, enhanced partly by the setting. But the best thing is if you can get a special invitation to meet the winemaker, and get the opportunity to drink straight from the production tanks in the factory. Especially if you come in late Autumn. This is not something they offer as standard,
so you have to know the right people… Which we now do.
Why visit: Beautiful restaurant location / views. Good wines for a larger scale producer.
If you are interested in a meet the winemaker tasting experience at a winery contact us through our tour company Eat This! Tours to book one of our premium tours.
Chubini, Shilda (Artisan)
Only a few minutes north of Shilda wines, Chubini is a very small home style producer, though they don’t live at the wine cellar. They focus on traditional Georgian wines, 100%, but with a little bit of experimentation as Chubini is run by a young couple. They are making great wines, in limited quantity and were featured in an article by CNN (2019). On site, you’ll also meet local dogs and cats. Reservations Essential.
They now have some rustic accommodation options too.
Why visit: Small artisan production. Specialist qvevri wines. Meet the winemaker (normally).
Khareba Wine Tunnel, Kvareli (Corporate)
Khareba is one of the biggest wine producers in Georgia. Although they don’t offer the personal experience you get with the small family wineries, they do have a lot of reasons to visit the main Wine Tunnel site in Kvareli.
First, the 7KM wine tunnel itself. You don’t get to look around the whole 7KM, but you do get to walk through some of the tunnels to the massive wine tasting tunnel (pictured). They are one of Georgia’s biggest producers though, and many of the wines are quite generic.
They also offer bonus experiences like making traditional Georgian shoti bread (tones puri) and churchkhela (sweets) – though you can also do this at many family wineries if booked in advance. Plus, you can see their Chacha room in action – where they make Georgian grappa. The full service restaurant above the vineyard has an amazing view of the valley and great food with wine.
That said, this is a very touristy stop that is featured on all the big bus tours and a lot of the smaller ones. I still think it’s an interesting stop, but if you want non-touristy, avoid Khareba. Essentially, you can see all the major elements of Georgian wine making and some food, in one place, easily, but it feels artificial.
Why visit: The wine tunnel is unique. Do everything all in one place, even if touristy and artificial.
Twins Wine Cellar, Napareuli (Independent)
The owner at Twins always has his eye on a business opportunity, so Twins is a mix of mid sized commercial and family style. Good news if you want to get to do some fun wine activities like stomp grapes yourself with your feet! This is an activity you can do during harvest time , Twins have some early harvest grapes so you can start picking in late August and then stomp the grapes you picked in the satsnakheli (carved tree trunk designed just for this purpose!)
If you want to do harvest experiences from late August to early November, we now have a couple of great artisan wineries (not Twins) that offer this option. You can check out our tour options here.
Twin’s focus is more on home style wines, than premium wines, but for a bulk style producer, they are doing some tasty stuff. Since our first visit in 2016, they’ve expanded a lot and have a fascinating museum you can visit. They also now have mid range accommodation with a pool: Booking.com | Agoda
Numisi Cellar Museum, Mukuzani (Artisan / Independent)
We loved Numisi wine cellar for its quirky museum. Tours are mostly in Georgian but tours in English are sometimes available if someone is around that day who happens to speak English (Or you can book in advance). The wine is also pretty good (home bulk style), we didn’t get premium wine. Rather than a “tasting” some wineries in Georgia with home style wine, rather than bottled premium wine, that you get a jug of wine rather than a sip of wine! Between 3 people we got a 1/2 litre jug of both red and white. That’s a serious “tasting”.
This place is a bit of a crossover towards being more business focused than home artisan focused.
Why visit: The museum.
Shumi, Telavi (Corporate)
Shumi is a very large producer and they make some reasonable mid price wines. The star of their vineyard though is the very old Qvevri in their museum (3000BC) and their grape garden – featuring some 100 or so different grape varieties all in one little plot. The wines vary from mass produced, to a few better wines. Walk ins are possible. They also have a restaurant. This is very frequented on the tourist trail, they are easy to access and close to Telavi. Generic but reliable.
Why visit: Best all round option for mass production winery. The overall feel is less corporate/touristy than others.
Our Secret Wineries of Kakheti…
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Above we offer quite a selection, but we are holding back some of our favourite options and the best wines, just for email subscribers and guests of our Food & Wine Tours. Subscribe below for more info and get our wine route itineraries where we reveal some of our secret picks we don’t want all the tourists to know about… Or, learn more about booking a wine tour with us.
Vineyards in Georgia: Kartli (Central)
Kartli is the large central region that surrounds the capital of Tbilisi. They cultivate different grapes from Kakheti, making for some completely different wine. Although the production scale is smaller than Kakheti, if you are based in Tbilisi and only have a short amount of time in Georgia, visiting Kartli is a shorter day trip than Kakheti’s Alazani valley.
To learn more about the story of Georgian wine and the types of grapes, in 10 minutes or less, grab a free copy of our Georgian Wine Crash Course PDF.
Merebashvili, Kaspi (Artisan)
High quality versions of the most typical types of grape varieties from Kartli region. Taste wines in the family cellar, or the garden. Take a cooking class with the family and learn about how they make their wines. Excellent English spoken.
Why Visit: Easy trip from Tbilisi, amazing cellar environment, cooking classes with mother.
Dvalishvili Wine Cellar (TD Winery), Near Gori (Artisan)
Tengo’s place is a real home winery. You enter through his house, and down to his personal cellar where we tasted a really interesting selection of premium wines – including a rose (which is slowly becoming more common in Georgia). As well as being a former member of the Georgian national dance team, Tengo has become an expert winemaker, taking over the business from his father and expanding. Reservations essential. His father also hosts guests sometimes but does not speak English.
Why visit: Genuine hospitality, very authentic, fine artisan wines.
Vineyards in Georgia: Imereti (West)
Imereti region is famous for its food and wine, especially white wines. If you’ll be arriving in Georgia via Kutaisi or Batumi airport, the Imereti region will be far more convenient to visit than Kartli or Kakheti.
To learn more about the story of Georgian wine and the types of grapes, in 10 minutes or less, grab a free copy of our Georgian Wine Crash Course PDF.
Baia’s Winery, Baghdati, Near Kutaisi (Artisan)
Baia is one of Georgia’s top Female entrepreneurs with a focus on bespoke small batch qvevri wines – especially white wines with a magical hint of honey aftertaste. Baia’s winery focuses on 100% organic processes, but due to the prohibitive cost of international certification, it’s almost impossible for independent Georgian wineries to afford to get certified.
When you visit you’ll discover how they follow organic methodology as well as having the option for some fantastic home cooked food!
There are many vineyards near Kutaisi (State of Imereti) out in rural areas, surrounded by rolling hills. It’s possible to visit a few in one day trip, and of course, you won’t want to drive. Driver/guides are very affordable in Georgia. So we just hired an English-speaking driver for the day and told him which wineries to take us to. Baia’s is well known by local guides but you need to make a reservation as the winery is pretty famous these days.
If you can’t find the guide you want, feel free to jump on one of our organized Kutaisi / Imereti winery trips and we’ll take care of everything for you!
Vine Bridge – ვაზის ხიდი – Near Kutaisi, (Artisan)
Vine Bridge is one of the newer kids on the block with big plans to become the must visit vineyard near Kutaisi Airport. They are building a wine hotel. They are also focusing on Georgia’s most successful wine variety – Saperavi (Red) – even though Saperavi does not grow well near Kutaisi. Instead, they are transporting grapes from east Georgia in order to make the Saperavi on site. The Saperavi was excellent!
This one is not well listed online yet. Search “Vine Bridge” on our Georgia Wineries Map below for the location.
Why visit: Off track, genuine hospitality, but still close to Kutaisi airport.
If you’ll be flying into Kutaisi airport, or visiting that region (Imereti), Also check out our Things To Do In Kutaisi & Imereti Guide for attractions, restaurants, and more.
Secret Home Winery & Bottle Museum (Near Kutaisi)
We visited a few very homely vineyards. Most families in the countryside make their own wine. It’s just a part of life. Some make extra wine to sell or send to family in the city. Some are listed on the national wine route (brown road signs), but when you turn up at their door, they don’t speak any English. Which can make things tricky. On our map below I list a few of the home wineries that are very much just someone’s house selling off some excess wine.
However, there are some places that are not on the wine routes, which you need a local guide to visit. Essentially, you are just getting invited to someone’s home for a drink. The most interesting of these we did was in a small village near Kutaisi.
The homeowner actually broke the seal on one of his qvevris and served us the first new glass of Georgian amber wine (pictured). This was a pretty unique experience. In addition, he has a private museum of old Soviet and Georgian bottles and memorabilia.
The only way to visit is with a local guide, you can’t turn up by yourself and it’s not listed anywhere – it’s just a private residential home. If too many people go, the guy will likely start turning people away, so even with a guide, there is no guarantee.
To have a chance for this sort of experience, or to get shown around the other vineyards and nature of the Kutaisi area, we can book you in with one of our local guides.
Recommended Georgia Wine Tour Itinerary Options
We are travel bloggers based in Tbilisi (Originally from UK/Australia) and we’ve been lucky enough to make some great contacts with guides and drivers, as well as explore a lot of Georgian Vineyards. To plan the best wine trip possible, subscribe to our Georgian Wine Mailing list below for all our insider tips.
Wine Trips From Tbilisi (To Kakheti Wine Region)
Almost all the generic “Wine Tours” from Tbilisi that are being hawked to tourists at a low price (less than $50 per person) consist of a long drive to the Kakheti region (east Georgia – 2 hours each way) with tourist stops for scenery, a tourist attraction (church/convent, etc) a visit perhaps to 1 or 2 large commercial wineries and a stop for lunch (at own expense).
Very few of the tours described as “wine tours” really provide any sort of artisan or meet the winemaker experience. They are a very brief intro to the landscape and a couple of short, generic tastings. For real wine lovers who may want to visit at least 3 wineries during a full day trip, to explore the unique differences between the wine, the basic wine tours will likely disappoint.
To visit Kakheti region, although a fast and long 1 day trip is possible, I highly recommend an overnight trip. Then you can have a full day in the region the second day and head back to Tbilisi on the second evening. If you don’t have time for a 2 day trip, then a 1 day trip to Mtskheta & Shida Kartli region, north of Tbilisi, involves way less hours driving, so a shorter day, still with some incredible wineries and attractions to visit – more time doing/tasting, less time driving.
To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve put together a primer (a crash course guide) to Georgian wine – because, seriously, unless you are already an expert in natural wines and 8000 year old traditional winemaking, everything you think you know about wine production is going to change once you learn about Georgia.
PLUS, to help you visit the real local wineries, rather than the tourist installations and commercial wine factories, we’ve created wine itineraries you can follow to have an authentic trip.
Get Our Free Georgian Wine Crash Course & Wine Tasting Card / Guide
For a crash course in everything you need to know to get familiar with Georgian wines, download our Georgian wine crash course mini eBook. You’ll also get our printable wine tasting review card and guide so you can understand how to taste and appreciate Georgian qvevri wines.
Wine Trips From Kutaisi (West Georgia)
More info Coming soon.
How To Visit Georgian Wineries
Be aware, a wine tasting at an independent Georgian winery is nothing like a wine tasting elsewhere in the world. They don’t offer you a sip of a couple of wines with the intention to sell you a bottle. Instead, they offer full servings (75-150ml. 3 to 6oz) of each wine – maybe 2 to 6 wines. Plus shots of the local chacha (Georgian grappa). Once you finish the tasting, they often offer you bonus wine and shots.
You pay a fee for the Georgian wine tastings. Very few places do a free wine tasting. While different from what you may be used to, once you have this level of hospitality, you will realise why Georgia is one of the most fun wine destinations out there.
Only the very big commercial wineries have the facility to always accept walk ins, so for independent places, booking in advance is essential – or there may be no-one there to meet you, or if their is, they may not speak English.
Self Drive… Are You Crazy?
If you happen to have a designated driver, willing to stay sober, and familiar with the mad overtaking, pot holes, and no rules driving style of Eastern Europe, then sure, self-drive. We did that a couple of times on our first trip in 2016… Now we always hire a driver. Because it’s really affordable anyway and means no spitting wine, and no spitting swear words at other drivers all day.
Driving conditions and google maps are both unreliable at this time in Georgia – yes, still, in 2024. Plus, once you do 1 Georgian wine tasting, you shouldn’t be driving (see above)… So we don’t recommend renting a car to do this trip. If you must self drive, Kayak has options for rental. If you want to go to areas away from main routes, consider getting a better vehicle, not the fiesta/micra size cars – roads marked as real are often tracks.
Hired Driver – Self Guided
Hiring a driver is surprisingly affordable in Georgia. With prices ranging from $100 to $180 USD per day, including fuel, for a vehicle with 4 to 7 passenger seats (+ Driver). A driver can save you all the hassle of having to drive yourself, so your whole group can enjoy those big wine tastings.
With a self-guided trip, you will be responsible for contacting the wineries yourself to make reservations for tastings, and book accommodation as needed. Most, not all, wineries will have an English speaking member of staff on site most days if booked. So it’s up to you to organise this. Drivers may not speak great English, it depends. And they are mostly not guides.
Full Guided Tour With English Speaking Driver-Guide
Our partner company Eat This! Food & Wine Tours offer private, small group tours to artisan wineries, including meet the winemaker experiences, cooking classes in local villages, and much more. They handle everything for you, to ensure you have an amazing wine adventure. They do the logistics, and the driving, so you can focus on the wine, food, and scenery and have a great trip without the stress.
All tours are led by an expert, English-speaking guide who will host you every step of the way as you discover real grass roots Georgian culture, food and wine, dripping with authenticity.
Georgian Wine Tasting In Tbilisi
Can’t make it out to the countryside to visit a vineyard in Georgia? Taste Georgian wine in the capital, Tbilisi, instead.
8000 Vintages
The most fun wine tasting classes in Tbilisi are at 8000 vintages. Join a group, get to know new people, and enjoy a really interactive experience with one of their expert sommeliers. Contact 8000 vintages on Facebook in advance for dates and times of classes. They now have branches in Vake, Saburtalo, and near to Opera (Rustaveli). So no matter where you are staying, you can find one close by. That said, I still think the original in Saburtalo has the best classes.
They blind taste every wine they stock, so quality is ensured across the whole range of wines. If it did not pass blind tasting, they don’t stock it.
Karalashvili Wine Cellar
Wine tasting, rather than a full class, is awesome at Karalashvili wine cellar in downtown Tbilisi. Try a well prepared selection of wines in an old wine cellar, free initial tasting then from 5 to 9 lari a glass. From traditional whites to aged reds. The service is great and the old cellar has been there for over 100 years (though I don’t know if it was always a wine bar!) We loved it so much we even got some of our wedding photos done there after we got married in Tbilisi.
All the wines are made by the family.
This is just the beginning! Check out our FULL Tbilisi Wine Bars article here
Georgia Wineries Map
Want Your Vineyard, Wine Shop or Cellar Door featured on our Georgia Wineries map? Submit Your Information Here.
To See What Each Colored Region Is Called, Open The Index Key Using The Button On The Top Left Of The Map Window – This will also reveal the names of wineries.
In order to search winery names from above, open the map in full screen using the top right icon.
Get Our Free Georgian Wine Guide & Wine Tasting Card / Guide
For a crash course in everything you need to know to get familiar with Georgian wines, download our Georgian wine crash course mini eBook. You’ll also get our printable wine tasting review card and guide so you can understand how to taste and appreciate Georgian qvevri wines.
Tbilisi Map (Interactive Google Map): 100+ Points of interest – Get Free Access Now
We’ve put together a Tbilisi google map overlay with all our top picks of attractions, restaurants, foodie experiences, accommodation, transport locations and more! Save yourself a bunch of time by having our huge list of Tbilisi highlights instantly at your fingertips. Get Our Tbilisi Map NOW – Click Here.
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